Bhubaneswar, April 29: The frothy waves of the sea at the Ramachandi Beach near Konark have brought cheers to adventurers and swimmers all over the state.

Even tourists from other parts of the country and abroad have joined to enjoy the off-shore winds while surfing on the high tides of the secluded beach. The training and adventure camp for this much loved water sport, ‘Surfing Yogis’, conducted by Rangers Adventure Foundation and Orissa Tourism, has found many followers since it began on Tuesday.

Instructors from Hawaii and Australia and well-known diver Sabir Baksh can be seen giving lessons on the beach during afternoons, not only in surfing but in meditation too. Both the subjects are well connected, say the trainers.

“When you ride on the crest of a glassy surf, you have to keep your mind steady and that is where meditation fits in. This way one starts overcoming fears during surfing and enjoys the experience on a spiritual level as well,” said Yogi, a trainer from Hawaii.

“After regularly practicing, many surf yogis can see beyond the horizons while surfing, which is not possible without yoga,” he added.

Yogi added that the concept of surfing swamis and yogis is catching up fast across the world and even in India.

“You have beautiful beaches here but not many surfers. Looking at the 4,700 mile-coastline of the country, that includes 480 km of coastline in Orissa. Surfing is still to catch up. But the concept of yoga, spirituality and surfing is getting popular after it began in south India,” he said.

The participants are first given lessons on the beach and only after one gets a hand on the techniques, is the trainee allowed to get into the waters. The instructors, therefore, suggest observing keenly their movements.

“One has to be careful and informed about the mood of the sea. That is the most important element before you enter the waters,” said Justin Creighton from Australia. “Moreover, only swimmers must venture for the sport,” he said.

Adventure lovers are enjoying the camp. “It was the experience of a lifetime to feel the breeze brush against the face while riding a surf. It was really exciting,” said Raj, a participant.

Both the Rangers Adventure Foundation and the state tourism department have taken all safety measure for the programme.

“We have a team of certified life guards, who are always on their feet so that the beginners and amateurs do not have any safety issues,” said organiser Sanjay Samantaray, head of the adventure foundation. He added that surfing needs to be boosted in the state.

“We are organising many awareness camps throughout the year along the coastal cities of Orissa,” he said.

The camp that is on until May 26 aims at training in recreational surfing, empowering local communities with surfing skills and promotion of Orissa beaches as a pioneer surfing destination.

“Camps like these will provide an impetus to the tourism of coastal Orissa,” said Apang Ao, director of tourism for Orissa.